Tiny example
A shape machine
Imagine every point of a square being moved by the same matrix rule.
The whole square changes, but the rule is applied point by point.
Matrices
Number grids that can transform vectors and shapes.
A matrix can act like a machine for moving points. In two dimensions, a 2 by 2 matrix can stretch, reflect, shear or rotate a shape.
Why it matters
Matrices are a compact language for transformations, graphics, data, systems of equations and many models.
Things to watch for
- Multiplying entries one by one instead of using matrix multiplication.
- Forgetting that order matters.
- Looking only at numbers instead of the movement they create.
Where it connects
Further Mathstransformationsvectors